Raymond B. Penn

Raymond B. Penn, PhD, serves as the Robley Dunglison Professor of Pulmonary Research at Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel Medical College. He holds dual directorship roles as Director of the Center for Translational Medicine and Director of Pulmonary Research at the Jefferson - Jane & Leonard Korman Lung Institute, while also functioning as Vice Chair of Research within the Department of Medicine.

His research program investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling in airway pathologies, with primary focus areas including airway smooth muscle biology, asthma/COPD pharmacology, and GPCR-mediated pathways in cancer progression. Dr. Penn's laboratory specifically examines how aberrant GPCR function contributes to airway hypercontractility, remodeling, and hyperplasia in obstructive lung diseases, alongside exploring renal transporter systems and chronic metabolic acidosis.

• Key Research Themes: GPCR signaling bias in airway relaxation, TMEM16A antagonism for asthma therapy, AKAP-mediated regulation of GPCR pathways, bitter taste receptor agonists in smooth muscle, and Nestin's role in airway remodeling

As leader of the Center for Translational Medicine, Dr. Penn directs a multidisciplinary research team focused on bridging basic science discoveries in GPCR biology with clinical applications for respiratory diseases. His laboratory maintains active investigations into molecular targets for asthma, COPD, and fibrotic lung disorders through cellular and molecular approaches.